SashaThe sound of the lock engaging forced me against the sharp edge of a desk, the pain biting. I would show no fear.August walked in, looking entirely different than he had earlier in the day. His casual stone-washed jeans and simple polo shirt were a direct contrast to the man. They made him seem boyish, almost normal. There was nothing normal about the monster in any manner.He stood, gazing at me. There was no smile, no emotion of any kind, merely a look as if he was checking off a box as an order came in. He closed the door, moving toward a gothic-looking bar on the far end of the room. "Would you like a drink, Sasha?""Nothing from you." Ever. I heard him exhale, as if already disgusted with me. I scanned the room, searching for any weapons, my eyes falling on a letter opener. The thought was preposterous but tempting."I expect you will attempt that one day," he said with no inflection."What are you talking about?"He finished pouring two drinks, the liquid the color of smo
SashaHis words shouldn't have impressed me to any degree, but I was thrown by the sincerity, the heightened level of longing. As he jerked the leather strap free, cracking the tip against the floor, my body jumped involuntarily while my mind wrapped around the reality. There was nowhere to run, no place to hide."Now, hold your position." He released his hold, folding the belt in front of my eyes then gliding the thick leather down my back. I was shocked at his level of calm. There was no anger, no nastiness in his tone. He was simply giving orders.Everything about this man surprised me.I just seemed to react to his command, easing my face against the cool wood, and stretching my arms out to hold onto the edge of his desk. Everything was a blur, whirling in front of me. I took several breaths, preparing.Obeying.August snapped his wrist, the strap slapping across both ass cheeks.There was no flash of instant pain, no indication that I felt anything. My grip became white-knuckled
AugustControl. I'd lost control with her already. The thought was intriguing as well as troublesome. I refused weakness in everyone who worked for me as well as myself and I'd fallen into a black hole, taking her. Fucking her.And more than once.I'd succumbed to her ravishing beauty and the dark desires that I'd had since the very first time I'd laid eyes on her. The corner bar months before had been a place of respite, allowing me to enjoy my drink of choice without prying eyes. Her entrance had caught my eye, her alluring smile as she passed by several admirers sizzling my desires. I hadn't attempted to talk with her, merely regarded from afar but on that night, I knew I had to have her.Devour her.Take what didn't belong to me.The nagging in my mind pecked at me, reminding me that I actually cared about her.I hissed, clenching my fists as I was drawn back into the reality of my life. Another day had dawned. Too bad it wasn't paradise."What do you want to do with him, boss?" B
AugustI'd grown weary of the usual violence on the streets, preferring to leave the 'heavy' work to my soldiers and capos. My interest was in the gambling casinos instead of the drugs, but incidents on the streets were increasing, creating friction with my father. This wasn't about going legitimate, but the heat from the Feds was hardcore. Maybe I just wanted a few months of peace.Then there was my new relationship.I wasn't entirely certain how my father was going to take my news, but it had to be done. We also had a significant shipment coming in, another reason for my deal with Drummand. And there was the issue of the senator and his bill before Congress. He was trying desperately to eliminate all casinos in the state of New York, which would negate the board of supervisors vote on the proposed casino deal initiated by my father several months before. That wasn't going to happen. Sadly, my father didn't have as much control over the local politics as he'd like.Shutting out casin
AugustI walked through the set of double doors, heading directly for my father's office. The majority of his staff had no idea about what my family did, my father keeping them working on the legitimate businesses. However, those who knew were paid very well for their silence. The office had been raided several times, neither the local cops nor the FBI finding anything. My father was a brilliant businessman.I approached his office, hesitating more than usual. Then I simply opened the door."Well, I'm happy to hear that, Clive. I appreciate your call." Giordano laughed. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, animated as he always was with every phone call. "Give Bev my best. We need to get together for golf soon, my friend."I stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorjamb. When my father ended the call, I clapped.Startled, he turned, dropping the phone and holding out his arms. "Now to what do I owe this visit?""Clive. I didn't realize you were buddies with the district attor
AugustThe house seemed cold when I arrived. There were no sounds, no obvious clues that anyone else was in the place. I'd purchased the house several years before, renovating a huge portion by myself. Working with my hands was freeing, even peaceful, often providing a level of perspective that I rarely achieved. Modern in appearance, except for my office, the home wasn't large by the standards of my father, but I didn't need anything huge. My needs were simple in comparison to the rest of my family.I'd waved off the soldiers I'd left to guard against Sasha's escape, preferring an evening alone with her. Bruno knew how to keep himself scarce, allowing my privacy. There was no lock on the bedroom door, no chains holding her in place. There would be no cage to lock her in or basement to hide her away from the rest of the world. She would learn to accept her place by my side through time and training.I would not fail. Not her. Not myself.I found her in my office, her bare feet curled
August"I hate you."Her fingers rested on her chest, dancing over her nipples. All I could think about was ripping the material away, feasting on every inch of her.I grabbed her legs, pulling them straight into the air as I wrestled to remove her panties. "You're one bad little girl." I ran my fingers down the length of her leg, admiring her pretty pink pussy peeking out. "Imagine all the nasty things I'm going to do to you."Her lower lip quivered and she nodded, her eyes never leaving mine. She had more conviction than I'd imagined."Open your mouth."When she hesitated, I slapped her pussy lips hard enough she yelped."The second I give you an order, you obey. Those are my rules and they are very simple.""Yes, sir," she spat then opened her mouth wide, clenching her fists when I shoved the panties inside."Never, ever forget you're my property. There isn't a hole I won't violate or an inch of skin I won't taste. And every time you fight me, you will be punished." The words stimu
SashaLearn to obey. The asshole had to be fucking out of his mind. I was furious, my mind reeling at all the horrible things I wanted to do to the man. Hissing, I was actually stunned that his anger wrapped around him like a viper. He was volatile, capable of flying off the handle at any moment. I seemed to have a very distinct effect on him. What the hell was the night in my studio about? Lies? Deceit? Yeah, he did everything in his power to make certain I fell for his bullshit. He had another think coming.I eased off the island, struggling to right my dress. I was quivering to the core, and I wasn't entirely certain it was because of the nastiness of our exchange or the way my body had reacted to his touch. And I hated myself more than ever, shame enshrouding over me, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.My hands were shaking as I attempted to step into my panties. The scent of my climax made me sick to my stomach. I wanted a long, hot shower to wash away the ugliness. I heard the
Sasha"You're so disobedient," he breathed as he peppered his hand from one side to the other, the hard slaps pushing me hard against the thick railing.The stinging sensations were intensified from my earlier spanking, the pain rushing down the backs of my legs. I'd accepted my role, my place by his side. He would always be in charge, the head of household, and in truth, the arrangement was perfect.As the spanking continued, my heart racing, I wiggled and moaned, my nipples hardening to the point they ached. I wanted him to twist and pinch, lick and suck."Are you wet for me, my sweet Sasha?""Yes, sir.""I can see how swollen those pretty pink pussy lips are for me."He smacked harder and faster, keeping a perfect rhythm."Yes. Sir." The scent of my cream wafted all around me, my hunger building.A slight chuckle slipped from his lips as his hand came down hard and fast. I imagined the warm blush, turning quickly into a deep scarlet as the spanking proceeded.I closed my eyes as he
SashaLove. L.O.V.E. The concept was honestly ridiculous.And beautiful.And breathtaking.And exhilarating.And maddening.But I was in love with a man I should run far away from. I knew that the odds were against us, danger lurking at every turn, but honestly? I didn't care any longer.In the three weeks since everything had occurred, my life had changed. At least the fifteen minutes of fame for the defamed daughter of a promising presidential candidate was just about over, the newscasters moving onto other scathing stories. And here I sat in a convertible sports car on St. Thomas Island, my hair flowing in the breeze, the day more gorgeous than any I'd seen in months.And I sat beside August."Where are we going? Some beautiful resort?"He grinned, shifting his gaze in my direction. "You're going to have to learn patience, my dear. We'll work on that on this trip. As a matter of fact, we'll take care of that right away."I wiggled in my seat, knowing exactly what that meant. More d
AugustFive Days LaterThe bright sun cast a shimmer down the length of her body as she stood at the window, her lovely copper hair smooth as silk. She seemed pensive, her eyes never blinking as she stared out at the parking lot. I stood in the doorway, watching her.Bathing in her beauty.I heard Bruno behind me, the larger than life man refusing to stay in the hospital for more than two days. He'd been my constant companion, rarely leaving my side. The days had been nothing but a blur of activity, including shoring the ranks within the family, but thankfully, today I was taking her home."I'll be waiting downstairs, boss." Bruno kept his voice hushed, his eyes twinkling from the sight of her.I nodded, waiting until he walked away before taking cautious steps inside. She and I had talked for hours after she'd garnered her strength. Although I hadn't confided about the information in the box, only telling her that her mother was safe and in good hands, she needed to know. After she'd
AugustThe drive was without incident, although I had no doubt that Drummand had summoned various police officers and that they were preparing for a raid. The ammunition I had should be enough to cease the brazen activity. I laughed at the concept. If what I suspected was about to happen did occur, there would be ripples from here to Chicago, a shift in the operation of both the Feds and the two local police departments.There were numerous cars located in my father's driveway, several of which I didn't recognize. I didn't bother to wait for the housekeeper, letting myself inside and immediately heading to my father's office. The door was closed, and I could hear loud voices, angry tones. Within seconds, I was able to recognize the second voice.Carmine Francesco.My father had called him. To have a meeting here and now meant a culmination of betrayals on several levels. I threw open the door, the box under my arm."You have to stop this madness, Gio," Carmine exclaimed. "You have no
AugustAt ten minutes past high noon, I found the fucker, a man I thought I could trust coming out of the district attorney's office by the back door. My hunch had played out. I sat in the shadows, watching as Jo-Jo hunkered down, yanking the collar of his coat up over his neck. He walked toward his truck, the massive F-350 one he insisted on driving. The front-end damage was actually minimal in comparison to the destruction on the SUV. He obviously didn't give a shit that anyone would ask questions. I'd driven by the impound lot, able to see the twisted wreckage that had once been a fully protected vehicle.And my anger continued to increase.I twisted one hand around the steering wheel, the other around my phone, calling Angelo. "I've found him.""Where?""At a location where he shouldn't have been. Meet me at the warehouse with a full crew in one hour. We'll take care of this.""That shithead. What the hell?""Absolution." Jo-Jo had no family, nothing to keep him loyal for any leng
AugustI resisted slamming the cup on the nightstand and jerked to a full standing position just as two nurses bolted into the room."You shouldn't be here!" one of the nurses barked."Don't worry. I'm leaving." I took one last look at him, the gentle giant who'd protected me for so many years. The man would receive his dues soon enough.I moved down the hallway, finding the nurse's station. "Sasha Morales."The nurse glared at me in obvious recognition, taking a full minute before she reacted. The same wretched fear crossed her face as she typed on the keyboard. Everyone was terrified of my wrath. "She's just out of surgery and in recovery.""Her prognosis?"The nurse gave me a comforting smile. "She should be fine. The doctors were able to stop the bleeding, but she had her spleen removed. She did well in surgery.""Where the hell is recovery?" Relief flooded me, but the adrenaline remained high."Are you family?""Her fiancé."The news seemed shocking, her face sagging. "You can se
August"You shouldn't be here, August," Angelo said under his breath as he walked with me down the hospital corridor."Like hell I shouldn't." I stormed down the hall, pushing past anyone who attempted to get in my way."You know it's only a matter of time before they're going to try and arrest you again."I laughed, touching my gun for effect. "As if I give a shit." I noticed a nurse and nearly accosted her as I grabbed her arm. "Sasha Morales. What is going on? Where is she?"The woman sputtered then shook her head. "In surgery from internal injuries, but she's alive. That's all I know.""Where?" I barked."You can't see her, sir. You're going to have to wait." She managed to jerk out of my hold, racing down the hallway."Calm down, August. Bruno is in his room. Talk to him."I ran my fingers through my hair, calming my breathing. "What do we have on the accident?""Nothing right now. The SUV was broadsided somewhere just after nine. There are no cameras at the intersection and nobo
AugustThis had nothing to do with any interrogation. I nodded, scanning the parking lot and surrounding area before climbing inside. By the time he started the engine, his hand was shaking.He roared out of the parking lot, checking the rearview mirror three times before speaking. "I want you to know that I'm putting my job, hell, my career on the line for you and your family." Dick laughed bitterly. "Stupid. I have no idea why I'm doing this.""That begs the question. Why the fuck are you doing this?""Your arrest was a setup.""Tell me something I don't know."He looked as uncomfortable as hell, now sweating profusely. "You have no idea the kinds of connections that Senator Morales has as well as the chief of police and the district attorney. They are hell bent on destroying your operation. And I think there's more upper echelon politicians, law enforcement, and God knows who else in on this. This is fucking huge and terrifying."Wait a minute. What in the hell was he suggesting? "
SashaThe parking lot in front of the UPS store was almost desolate. While the location had a neon sign indicating it was still open, there was no one standing behind the counter. Number 518 was found easily, the group of boxes nestled all the way in the back of the store. When the clerk finally realized there were customers, Bruno had already cut the lock. I chatted with her briefly, finding out the box had been rented for five years, all paid in advance.My hands were shaking as I attempted to open the door, uncertain of what I would find. The shoebox fit almost exactly with no room to spare, the lid taped as if that would matter to prying eyes. I didn't waste time searching the contents. Maybe I really didn't want to know after all.I was so very cold as I secured the seatbelt, my arms and legs shaking. Just holding the thin cardboard in my hands made me feel closer to my mother, but also bitter and angry. Canada. I would hold August and his father to the promise of bringing her ho